READ: John 18:28-37
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” – John 18:36
The second petition is Thy kingdom come. This looks forward to the future, but not completely, since the Kingdom is already here with Christ, isn’t it? Isn’t that what He was already saying on earth? Yes, God’s Kingdom that came to earth with Christ is taking shape here, but it is not yet finished.
Christ is king at Father’s right hand after His ascension, and from there He rules the world and is Head of the Church. But obedience to Him as King is far from complete; many deny Him as King and despise the church. Now you don’t see much of the Kingdom on this earth except the presence of the church as a people of God’s Kingdom. It is precisely at this point that Christ wants to expand His Kingdom: He wants us as God’s children to obey and serve Him.
For this, our second petition is for God the Father to rule us by His Word and Spirit in such a way that we submit ourselves more and more to Him. This requires commitment, sacrifice, and self-denial. If the Lord gives us His Word and Spirit on our prayers, then we must give ourselves to Him.
Let us always look to Jesus, who bought us with His blood and is our Leader, and let us always seek the Kingdom on earth. We must not give attention to what the world offers without God, but instead we should focus on Christ, our Head. No, God’s Kingdom is not of this earth, as Jesus said before Pilate. Our King is in heaven where He rules us for good!
What connects the first and second petition?
Singing: Ps. 72:1